When AMD purchased ATI, it was a controversial move that led many nay-sayers
to proclaim their demise. Others applauded the decision, predicting
that it would pave the way for an integrated CPU/GPU which would allow AMD to
remain competitive. While this positive outcome has yet to come to pass, the acquisition has
been paying other dividends. AMD's 690G chipset was a resounding success, and
after a full year, it's time for a refresh. The 780G chipset supports DirectX
10 and Shader Model 4.0, bringing it in line with Intel's G35 chipset. It also
promises better 3D performance, superior high definition playback, and lower
power consumption.

The 690G chipset introduced SurroundView, which allows users to use leave the
X1250 IGP enabled for extra displays when a discrete graphics card is installed.
The 780G chipset supports SurroundView as well, and a new feature which takes
it in a whole different direction. "Hybrid Graphics" enables its integrated
HD3200 graphics processor to work in tandem with a separate video card in a
pseudo-CrossFire mode to increase 3D performance. So whether you want extra
displays or better performance, the onboard video will never go to waste.

Our 780G bundle came with the processor and memory pre-installed.

To help us investigate this feature and the chipset as a whole, AMD graciously
provided us with one of their new energy efficient processors, the X2 4850e,
some Corsair memory, and the star of the show, a 780G motherboard, the Gigabyte
GA-MA78GM-S2H.

1. Support for @BIOS
2. Support for Download Center
3. Support for Q-Flash
4. Support for EasyTune (Note 5)
5. Support for Xpress Install
6. Support for Xpress Recovery2
7. Support for Virtual Dual BIOS

Bundle Software

1. Norton Internet Security
(OEM version)

Operating System

1. Support for Microsoft
Windows Vista/ XP

Form Factor

1. Micro ATX Form Factor;
24.4cm x 24.4cm

Remark

1. Due to different Linux
support condition provided by chipset vendors, please download Linux driver
from chipset vendors' website or 3rd party website.
2. Due to most hardware/software vendors no longer offer support for Win9X/ME.
If some vendors still has Win9X/ME drivers available, we will publish on
website.

Note

(Note 1) Due to Windows
XP 32-bit operating system limitation, when more than 4 GB of physical memory
is installed, the actual memory size displayed will be less than 4 GB.
(Note 2) Whether 1066 MHz memory speed is supported depends on the CPU being
used.
(Note 3) The DVI-D port does not support D-Sub connection by adapter.
(Note 4) Whether the CPU/system fan speed control function is supported
will depend on the CPU/ system cooler you install.
(Note 5) Available functions in Easytune may differ by motherboard model.

The MA78GM has a long list of features. A few things caught our eye:

1. 5 SATA ports, eSATA, FireWire, HDMI - this board must cost a fortune!
Actually the MA78GM's projected street price is only $95US. The feature-set
exceeds that of the much more expensive Asus
P5E-VM HDMI we reviewed a few months prior.

2. Though the DVI port on the back panel appears to be DVI-I (both digital
and analog), it's in essence a DVI-D port as Gigabyte warns that it can't
be used to convert to an analog signal.

3. The SB700 southbridge chip only supports RAID 0, 1 and 10 (as did the
SB600 before it). If you require RAID 5 support look for a board with the
SB750 southbridge..